Factors contributing to elevated juvenile crime rates in the United States

Juvenile Crime

United States is on the top of western countries experiencing crime activities. Though, till the past decade the rate of crimes has fallen down but still U.S. has the highest rate. Whether they are adults or juveniles, the rate of committing crimes is quite higher in both groups. There are different reasons been explored, why U.S. is facing the highest rate of crimes; however the exploration and discussion is still in progress among the scholars.

The government reserves large amount of budget for the management of juvenile system and rehabilitation of criminals but still the rate of crimes has fallen down only a little. The juvenile crimes have become one of the serious issues in U.S. which are not only spoiling the youth but also affecting other departments of growth as, if the youth of the nation is spoiled the future of the nation gets in to risk. (Justia, 2012)

The high percentage of juveniles in U.S. is even involved in violent crimes like misdemeanour thefts, homicides and premeditated murders. The government is putting in efforts and planning rehabilitation programs for juveniles but receiving an effective output in a slow pace. Therefore, the juvenile crime system must need to explore other factors of high rate of juvenile crimes in U.S. And devise a better plan to deal with this serious issue.

Here in this study, different factors that lead to juvenile crime will be discussed and then the appropriate recommendations will be discussed to eliminate the high rate of juvenile crimes in United States.

Factors Bearing on Problem

As according to the U.S. Department of Justice, there was substantial growth in the rate of juvenile crimes in 1980s tills 1994. However, the rate fallen down to 49% between 1994 and 2004. It percentage raised only by 2% in 2005 and 4% in 2006. However, the percentage of crimes increased more of robbery and murder.

Of the record in 1998, there were 24,537,600 crimes recorded in United States. U.S. were on the top among 72 countries. England too had the higher percentage of crimes recorded but the nature of crime was not involved in violent ones. However, U.S. experienced highest percentage of robbery and murder crimes. (Snyder, 2001)

Where U.S. topped in overall criminal activities, it also has highest percentage of juvenile crimes. In 1998, of the 1,609,303 teenager crimes, 1,000,279 were prosecuted. This number is even higher than if the 7 countries teenager crimes are summed up which includes England, Thailand, Canada, Germany, China, South Korea and Turkey.

According to the 2002 statistics by World Health Organization, U.S. ranked at third position in murder crimes committed by teenagers. Currently, U.S. have the largest population of prisons. Though, there is a large population of prisoners but in U.S. majority prisoners serve in prison for very short time means the rules in juvenile system courts are not as strict as in other countries.

There is not any one factor of the increasing juvenile crimes in U.S. But there are number of reasons. These primarily includes racism, socio-economic conditions i.e. increasing poverty, disturbed family as because of increased rates of divorce/separation, parent-child relationship and media. In U.S., the rate of youths running away from home and drop-outs from school has also risen. (Stimson, 2009)

Family Influence

Researchers state that family influence has an important role to play in building the personality of the child and preventing it from the delinquent behaviour. So, if a juvenile has an emotional bonding and positive influence of the family then there are far less chances of getting involved in crimes. Moreover, the juvenile from a non-traditional family that is single parent or reconstituted are more at risk of delinquent behaviour than the ones from traditional families.

Since, single parent is unable to devote much time of the child and also the resources are limited so the attachment between the parent-child gets weaker. Single parent cannot provide emotional support to the child as traditional parents can do. This leads to psychiatric, drugs intake or delinquent behaviours in children. The divorced or reconstituted parents sometimes set off feeling of hatred in children and they express it in terms of delinquent behaviour.

Children's Trust Fund reported data that of 25,000 cases, the children who were brought up by single parent show low grade point average at schools, poor attendance records, higher rates of school drop outs and lower aspirations to go to college than the ones with two parents. (Family Research Council, 2007)

As according to the research, young people engaged with groups pursuing positive goals are at lower risk of delinquent behaviour, whereas the one who spends time with the individuals involved in activities like smoking and drinking are at chance of delinquent behaviour. Even if the juvenile has a normal relationship with parent and is been grown in fine environment still there are chances of being influenced by a friend. (Martin, 2005)

It is also important that the parents spare time for their children and effectively communicate on topics that help them in character building. But since in U.S., majority people are engaged in tough jobs and both parents don't have time to keep an eye on the activities of their children. So, that is another big factor of disturbed family life and delinquent behaviour of children. Children and parents don't have a strong relationship and so child is more influenced by its friends and other groups. The chances of children being involved in criminal activities thus increases.

Socio-Economic status is another important factor of juvenile crimes. In some of the studies, it is found to be directly related with delinquent behaviour. The kids who have nurturing caregivers and have the supportive environment are less at chance of developing delinquent behaviour as compared to the ones bearing unstable situations, distress and unsupportive caregivers.

Racism

Many researchers have added that racism is another big factor that develops the delinquent behaviour in teenagers. Since, most of the politicians and public view the juvenile crimes as the because of being associated with particular social class or race. Researchers pointed that in statistics the major portion of crime percentage is indicated by youth certain race. In 1995, 68% of the crimes were being indicated as being committed by the minorities with population of only 32%. Since, in U.S. The racism has a strong impact in minds of people. Black people feel inequality in comparison to the white people. This psychology still resides in people's mind since years. That's the reason why the percentage of minorities in juvenile crimes is higher than the majority. As according to another researcher, it was reported that black youth are largely imprisoned as compared to white youth. It is not the case that majority black youth commit more violent crimes than the white youth but actually the behaviour of police in not the same with both communities. This behaviour even worsens the condition of minority race youth and they move towards even severe crimes. Moreover, the black juveniles are not also easily facilitated with mental health facility that experience mental problems leading to delinquent behaviour.

As according to the report, there are not only African youth who is involved in juvenile crimes but there are Latino and Hispanic youth as well. Since, dropping out from school also becomes the factor of delinquent behaviour and this is another reason why there is more percentage of minority youth in juvenile detention. The teachers don't equally treat the students on basis of race and since there is less percentage of African, Hispanic or Latino teachers in U.S. schools therefore there are more cases seen of the minorities been dropped out. Minority students are usually referred to probation in higher number or they are not graded well in the standardized tests. Since, the minority race youth has to face several problems and barriers in U.S., therefore this is one of the major factors of increased percentage of juvenile crimes.

Maltreatment with Children

The 2001 report stated that there is a direct relationship of maltreatment of children and youth with increase in delinquent behaviour. It was also mentioned that the children living in the criminal environment are more likely to develop delinquent behaviour as compared to that living in general environment. Since the child abuse activities are going on rise in U.S. so that is another factor of higher rate of juvenile crimes.

As according to the statistics revealed through survey, it was found that 47% of boys and 20% of girls, who are assaulted sexually, are likely to commit violent crimes. 46% of boys and 30% of girls, who are assaulted physically, are likely to be involved in violent crimes.

The maltreatment of children starts from its own home. The increased number of disturbed family lives in U.S. leads to maltreatment with children. According to the study, it was stated that children are more likely to commit violent crimes that are gone through trauma at their home. The children have more impact of violence on their minds as compare to elders. Therefore, it was pointed by the researcher that even if the child sees violence in neighbourhood, it might affect his/her behaviour.

Moreover, it is the responsibility of the agencies to provide their services for the better upbringing of the child. They need to provide support and prevention services to the youth in where they live. But in the large country like U.S., these agencies have higher number of responsibilities and so they are unable to manage activities in each area. (Mandel, 2008)

Media

The children who watch violent movies and play fighting or violent video games for long hours from very early age are more likely to develop delinquent behaviour. Since, in most of Hollywood movies, cartoons and games promotes the elimination of enemies by physical means that is fighting and killing. This develops a negative image in the minds of children but they consider it as right thing to do. It is one of the major reasons why 30% to 40% of the young boys and girls are once or more times arrested before they turn 18. Even now in U.S., being a bad guy is considered as an attractive thing for the youth then why not teenagers would go for it?

As according to the modern technology age, children are being motivated towards becoming independent. Even the media promotes independent thinking, rebelling against the cultural values and policies. Moreover, the media also broadcast the programs that should not be watched by teenagers but they do since, there is no one to keep an eye on them. These programs glamorize sexual violence and assaults which destroy the minds of young individuals. (Fernandes, 2003)

Conclusion

Despite the large number of efforts made by the United States Government against the juvenile criminal activities, still U.S. is facing high rate of crimes. Though, the crimes have been decreased by large number since 1990s but still there is much to have control on.

There are number of factors that lead to delinquent behaviour in the juveniles. There is not any one cause of such kind of behaviour. However, the bad parenting is the major factor that causes it. Since, the family structure in U.S. has totally been disturbed now since past two decades; therefore it has also affected the juveniles' personality and so have become the reason of delinquent behaviour.

The parents don't have enough time to spend with kids and look on their activities. Therefore, kids too have become more independent. They get attracted towards the criminal behaviour and get influenced by peers and groups and thus get more involved in crimes.

The other reason of high rate of juvenile crimes in U.S. is the racism. People still have indifferent opinions about the blacks in U.S. And that's psyche make blacks youth more at risk of delinquent behaviour.

The fourth major reason of increased juvenile crimes in U.S. is showing of violent actions and activities by media on television. The video games are also programmed full of violence and in a way the media glamorize violence. The youth gets attracted towards violent activities and like to practice them as well.

United States is currently investing large budgets in building prisons and courts for the juvenile crimes but less in been focussed on prevention and intervention programs. The government really need to plan the programs that can actually benefit in the long run. Therefore the Government must establish agencies that cover the whole country areas and provide facilities for the better future of youth.

Action Recommended

Since, United States has become a little successful in getting a control over the juvenile crimes but still the rate is highest compared to other western countries. It means the country needs to put in much more efforts to deal with this serious matter. Though, we have identified the factors that may lead juveniles to commit crime but it is not definite that the specific child is going to show delinquent behaviour. However, we would need to devise actions for an overall community to eliminate any risk of criminal activities.

United States Justice Systems needs to devise such rules and plans that can help in controlling the crimes in the long run. Currently United States is on the move to strengthen their Juvenile Justice System by enforcing strict rules like sentencing teens to prison and minors to be prosecuted as an adult. The Juvenile Justice System has set different laws and punishments for the juveniles. Juvenile Mental Health Courts, Delinquency Prevention courts, Innocence Projects, National Gang Centre and Best Friends Organizations have also been established to deal with an individual's psychological problems and crimes. (Frosch, 2012)

Moreover, Preventive Treatment Plans are also practiced by the state. There are two preventive/intervention programs being practiced that are very popular in dealing with the juvenile criminal activities. These are Home Visitation Programs and Head Start. They help to deal with the problem even before it starts to develop. (Saminsky, 2010)

However, for this problem, society and the government must make joint efforts to recover from the intense situation of criminal activities. For this purpose parents, neighbours, teachers and religious leaders need to help each other so that to strengthen the societal values.

Government must focus more on the early prevention and intervention programs so that to deal with the matter in prior rather than waiting for the crime to take place. Since, the early prevention programs are better than the later intervention programs. As according to the research, it was found that more efforts are required in intervention programs as compared to in early prevention programs. It has also been noted that the children who have been treated by early prevention programs are less likely to drop-out from school or college and also don't get involved in criminal activities. They also have better IQ level, better scores in elementary school tests, low rates of antisocial behaviour and aggression.

Currently, United States is building more and more prisons so that to accommodate increased number of prisoners and making strict laws. But if the state invests more in the preventive programs then it may save much of their funds and also secure the future of country. Moreover, since the prisons of United States are overcrowded and the environment of prisons is really intense. But as according to the rule, the intense juvenile crime may be treated as adult crime. In such case judge may also punish the juvenile to be imprisoned in the same jail. But this will worsen the delinquent behaviour of juvenile and the chances of re-committing the crime will also increase. Therefore in most of the cases this action is avoided and punished by sentencing only house arrest, placing with someone other than a guardian or a parent, sending to juvenile detention facility, probation after juvenile hall or sending to secured juvenile facilities for longer period of time. These punishments are not as such terrible and that may be the reason of juveniles of reoffending. Therefore, it is recommended that the justice system should devise more strict laws and punishments so that juveniles may have a fear in their mind before committing any criminal activity. However, the environment of juvenile detention centres must be productive for the teenagers where the agencies must help the juveniles becoming the noble citizen of the nation.

The Government needs to impose flexible timings on job so that the individuals can spare time for their family as well. The programs should be introduced where parent must be guided of how to behave with their children and ensure their bright future. It should be made obligatory for the parents to attend parenting class for some time period. Such prevention and intervention programs can help a lot in improving the situation of juvenile crimes in United States. The programs should try to let the parents realize their core responsibility of children better upbringing as they are the ones who have brought the kids to the world.

Churches and religious leaders can also play an important role in bringing the juveniles on right track. They can strengthen the basic ethics, behaviour, values and life of young individuals. If the kids are forced to study and guided through Bible teachings, this could also help the community.

The schools and educational institutes provide the best learning environment to the kid. Whatever the kid experience new thing at school also practices it. It is therefore really important that teachers properly guide and provide counselling to the students. Moreover, the teachers' focus should not only be towards their professional life but they must guide them regarding the basic ethics, mannerism, right and wrong and religion.

Media has the main role to play in improving the culture and decreasing the rate of juvenile crimes. Government must enforce laws and censor the programs that are not productive for kids. Violence, sexual crimes and other distracting activities must not be shown in children movies and cartoons. (Tiffany Cherise Frugia, 2005)

Government should set up large number of agencies that may cover every region in the country. These agencies must conduct programs that could help in making U.S. culture favourable to live in with a family. These agencies can develop the strategies like:

Guiding parents for family education that is how to teach kids at home

Intensive awareness courses that could be an on-going program to raise awareness among parents, teachers and religious leaders.

Motivate communities to take part in eliminating the juvenile crimes as well as overall criminal activities and report.

Anti-criminal activities and juvenile delinquency awareness programs on media.

Special training for counsellors should be conducted and asked to organize session in schools and colleges.

Apart from agencies programs, government must also need to improve its juvenile justice system and apply constructive laws instead of the ones that may lead worse conditions in long run. The criminal codes must be revised time to time so that to ensure whether the laws are making positive developments in the society. (NOLO, 2012)

Since now, there are not as much juvenile courts in U.S. And so the hearings are just avoided or the case is closed without any action. Most of the juveniles are released without any punishment for committing crime. That is one of the main reasons why juveniles are not afraid of committing minor crimes. But with time their confidence become stronger and they even go for the serious crimes like rape, murder, robbery and assault. Therefore, the government must open juvenile justice courts all over the country so that every juvenile crime must at least be heard by the justice executives. Judges, Prosecutors and Law Practitioners must be given trainings as how to deal with juveniles. (Greenwood, 1996)

In case when juveniles are treated as adults due the severity of crime they must be locked in separate prisons and the jailers should be given proper training that how to behave with teenagers. They should be treated in a way that may construct their personality rather than destroying it even more. Educational and awareness programs must be conducted in prisons. Moreover, psychiatric check-ups and treatments must also be provided to the prisoners so that to deal with the actual disorder of their personality.

Government can also create crime victims helpline that would facilitate as a National helpline and provide supports, informs and also empowers crime victims. There is a crucial need of such helpline; since, the anti-social behaviour that is currently being practiced in U.S. culture has increased because of lack for youth in several region of the country. (Staffer, 2012)

Of all the recommendations, the most important is to focus on the training of parents. Since, the first and the most effective learning environment is provided by the parents and even the child cannot learn better than home at any other place.